Transparent structure with controllable lighting

ABSTRACT

Aspects of the present disclosure involve a transparent structure. The structure may include at least one light source, a transparent light-carrying guide layer optically coupled with the at least one light source. The structure may include refractive layers where a light absorbing feature is operably associated with the light-carrying guide layer to absorb any light not internally reflected in the light guide layer, at least adjacent the light source.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This patent application is a continuation application of U.S. patentapplication No. 15/366,686, filed Dec. 1, 2016, entitled “TRANSPARENTSTRUCTURE WITH CONTROLLABLE LIGHTING” which is related to and claimspriority under 35 U.S.C. § 119(e) to U.S. Provisional Patent ApplicationNo. 62/261,778, filed Dec. 1, 2015 entitled “CONFIGURABLE TRANSPARENTSTRUCTURE FOR LIGHTING,” U.S. Provisional Patent Application No.62/299,751, filed Feb. 25, 2016 entitled “TRANSPARENT STRUCTURE WITHCONTROLLABLE LIGHTING,” U.S. Provisional Patent Application No.62/346,378, filed Jun. 6, 2016 entitled “TRANSPARENT STRUCTURE WITHCONTROLLABLE LIGHTING,” and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No.62/397,826, filed Sep. 21, 2016 entitled “TRANSPARENT STRUCTURE WITHCONTROLLABLE LIGHTING,” all of which are hereby incorporated byreference in their entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This disclosure relates generally to lighting systems, and morespecifically to a configurable transparent structure providing lightingcapability.

BACKGROUND

Transparent media, such as glass windows or panes, plexiglass panels,and the like, typically facilitate the largely undistorted passage oflight to promote vision of objects while preventing other aspects of theenvironment (e.g., precipitation, wind, some sound) from passing throughthe media. Further, some newer types of transparent media technology,such as the various versions of “smart glass” now available, may beconfigured on-the-fly by way of a voltage selected by a user to allowthe passage of varying levels and qualities of light, from transparent,to translucent, to opaque. Functional, aesthetic and other demands incountless areas ranging from automotive to architecture are exceedingthe capabilities of conventional transparent media technologies.

SUMMARY

One aspect of the disclosure is a configurable transparent structureincludes a light-emitting layer having a transparent media andlight-emitting elements that are located in the transparent media. Thelight-emitting elements emit light in an active state, thelight-emitting elements do not emit light in an inactive state, and thelight-emitting layer appears substantially transparent when thelight-emitting elements are in the inactive state.

Another aspect of the disclosure is a configurable transparent structurethat includes a transparent light-producing layer having light-emittingelements that are each located in the transparent light-producing layerwithin a respective surface area portion of the transparentlight-producing layer. The light-emitting elements are each individuallyaddressable to allow control of color and intensity.

Another aspect of the disclosure is a configurable transparent structurethat includes a first transparent layer that defines a first exteriorsurface, a second transparent layer that defines a second exteriorsurface, a transparent light-producing layer that is located between thefirst transparent layer and the second transparent layer, thetransparent light-producing layer having light-emitting diodes that arearranged in an array, and a controller for causing the transparentlight-producing layer to display information using the light-emittingdiodes.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a side-view representation of an example configurabletransparent structure for lighting and/or display.

FIG. 2A is a side-view representation of an example configurabletransparent structure for lighting and/or display that employs anedge-lit light guide plate.

FIG. 2B is a side-view representation of an example configurabletransparent structure for lighting and/or display that employs anorganic light-emitting diode (OLED) display layer.

FIG. 2C is a side-view representation of an example configurabletransparent structure for lighting and/or display that employs amicro-light-emitting diode (micro-LED) display layer.

FIG. 3 is an isometric-view representation of an example configurabletransparent structure for lighting and/or display that includesmultiple, individually controllable panels.

FIG. 4 is a side-view representation of an example patterned switchablelight extraction layer that may be used in the example configurabletransparent structures disclosed herein.

FIGS. 5A and 5B are top-view representations of example patternedswitchable light extraction layers having multiple, individuallycontrollable areas.

FIG. 6 is a flow diagram of an example method of operating theconfigurable transparent structure of FIG. 1.

FIG. 7A illustrates a side-view representation of a structure, which maybe substantially transparent, having a light source coupled into a lightguide layer through an aperture defined in a mask whereby the apertureallows light into the plate at an acceptance angle such that light stayswithin the plate.

FIG. 7B is a front-view representation of the structure of FIG. 7Aparticularly illustrating a plurality of apertures associated with aplurality of light sources.

FIG. 7C is a front-view representation of the structure of FIG. 7Aparticularly illustrating a slit aperture associate with a plurality oflight sources.

FIG. 7D is a top section-view representation of the structure of FIG.7A.

FIG. 8A is a side-view representation of a structure, which may be asubstantially transparent layered structure, with a leaky optical fiberplaced along an edge of a light guide plate to couple light into theplate.

FIG. 8B is a front section view representation of the structure of FIG.8A but with the leaky optical fiber positioned along a slit aperture ina mask between the fiber and an edge of the light guide plate.

FIG. 9 is a side-view representation of a transparent structure with anedge-lit light guide bounded various layers and including outer air gaplayers bounded by protective layers, where the air gap layers provide anoverall light guide structure to the layers therebetween.

FIG. 10 is a side-view representation of a transparent structure havingan infused edge-lit light guide plate.

FIG. 11 is a side-view representation of a transparent structure havinga scattering layer.

FIG. 12 is a side-view representation of a structure, which may besubstantially transparent, that has a light source coupled into a lightguide layer and with an absorbing feature that absorbs any light notinternally reflected within the light guide layer.

FIG. 13 is a side-view representation of a structure, which may besubstantially transparent, that has a light source coupled with a lightguide layer and with an absorbing feature in the form of a tinted,heavily doped or otherwise extruded refractive layer portion integralwith a transparent extruded refractive layer.

FIG. 14 is a side-view representation of a structure, which may besubstantially transparent, that has a light source coupled with a lightguide layer and with an absorbing feature in the form of a lightabsorbing coating.

FIG. 15A is a side-view representation, in cross-section, of an opticalguide for guiding light from a light source into a light-guide plate.

FIG. 15B is an isometric view of a representative optical guide derivedusing the cross-sectional side view of FIG. 15A.

FIG. 16 is a side-view representation, in cross-section, of the opticalguide of FIG. 15A, but illustrating a portion of light scattered by theoptical fiber.

FIG. 17 is a side-view representation, in cross-section, of the opticalguide of FIG. 15A, but with light simulated as being coupled to thelight-guide plate.

FIG. 18 is a functional block diagram of an electronic device includingoperational units arranged to perform various operations of thepresently disclosed technology.

FIG. 19 is an example computing system that may implement varioussystems and methods of the presently disclosed technology.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Aspects of the present disclosure involve configurable transparentstructures and methods for operating such structures. In at least someembodiments, the configurable transparent structure may include at leastone light source, a transparent light-carrying layer optically coupledwith the at least one light source, and a light extraction layeroptically coupled with the transparent light-carrying layer. The lightextraction layer may be transparent in a first state and at leastpartially translucent in a second state.

In some embodiments, a method of operating a configurable transparentstructure may include accessing a control signal to determine a mode inwhich the configurable transparent structure is to be operated. Based ona determination that the structure is to be operated in a transparentmode, the light source may be inactivated, and the light extractionlayer may be placed in the first state. Based on a determination thatthe structure is to be operated in an internal diffusion state, thelight source may be activated, and the light extraction layer may beoperated in the second state. Other modes of operation are alsopossible.

One or more of the various embodiments described herein may be employedin a vehicle, such as for use as a sunroof or other window-like surfaceto control the amount and nature of the light being provided within thevehicle. In automotive, architectural, landscaping and numerous otherenvironments, embodiments may be used to provide lighting.

FIG. 1 is a side-view representation of an example configurabletransparent structure 100 for lighting and/or display. In this example,the configurable transparent structure 100 is oriented horizontally,similar to that of a sunroof of a vehicle, or a skylight of a buildingor dwelling, under which one or more users 130 may be positioned to viewan exterior environment of the vehicle or dwelling. However, theorientation and size of other embodiments of the configurabletransparent structure 100 may vary greatly from one example to another,and may be used in any indoor or outdoor environment. Further, while theexample of FIG. 1 depicts a planar configurable transparent structure100, other examples of the structure 100 need not be strictly planar,but may incorporate curved surface portions. Additionally, while one ormore of the layers of the configurable transparent structure 100 may bereferred to as being or incorporating glass, other transparent media,such as acrylic plastics or glasses, may be utilized in otherimplementations. Moreover, in vehicle applications, so called laminatedsafety glass (or portions thereof) may be included.

As depicted in FIG. 1, the configurable transparent structure 100 mayinclude at least a transparent light-carrying layer 102, differentexamples of which are described below in relation to FIGS. 2A, 2B, and2C. In some examples, the transparent light-carrying layer 102 mayincorporate one or more light sources, such as light-emitting diodes(LEDs), therewithin that may be illuminated under the control of acontrol unit 120. In other examples, the one or more lights sources maybe optically coupled to the transparent light-carrying layer 102, suchas by way of one or more edges of the transparent light-carrying layer102, again under the control of the control unit 120. An example of thecontrol unit 120 is discussed below in conjunction with FIG. 7.

When the at least one light source is inactive, the transparentlight-carrying layer 102 appears substantially transparent, thusallowing the user 130 to view various features, colors, etc., of objectsthrough the configurable transparent structure 100. In some examples,the transparent light-carrying layer 102 may be substantiallytransparent, but with a tint of some predetermined color.

When the at least one light source is active, the transparentlight-carrying layer 102 may be configured to distribute the light fromthe light sources substantially evenly throughout the transparentlight-carrying layer 102, or to distribute the light according to someother distribution or pattern, thus at least partially obscuring theotherwise transparent nature of the layer 102. The at least one lightsource may provide some level of white light in some examples, or somelevel of other wavelengths of light, such as from a red-green-blue (RGB)controllable light source. Accordingly, the light being provided to theuser 130 may function as environmental lighting for the user 130 toallow the user 130 to perform a variety of tasks, such as reading,writing, and so on. In some examples in which the at least one lightsource may facilitate a plurality of apparent light sources from theperspective of the user 130, the at least one light source may provideenvironment lighting and/or an information display akin to a monitorthat may present textual or graphical information to the user.

In some examples, the configurable transparent structure 100 may alsoinclude a switchable light extraction layer 104 positioned adjacent to,and/or in optical communication with, the transparent light-carryinglayer 102, between the transparent light-carrying layer 102 and the user130. In one example, the switchable light extraction layer 104 may be afilm or other laminate in direct contact with the transparentlight-carrying layer 102, and the switchable light extraction layer 104may have a refractive index equal or substantially equal to a refractiveindex of the transparent light-carrying layer 102 to promote thetransfer of photons from the transparent light-carrying layer 102 to theswitchable light extraction layer 104. As discussed herein, when twolayers have substantially equal refractive indexes it recognizes thatmanufacturing variations, material differences, thickness differences,imperfections and other minor differences between layers and the indexesthereof may exist but the intended result is nonetheless achieved.

In one embodiment, the switchable light extraction layer 104 may be apolymer dispersed liquid crystal (PDLC) film, which is avoltage-controllable film containing liquid crystals dispersed in apolymer material. When a predetermined voltage is applied across theswitchable light extraction layer 104, such as by the control unit 120,the crystals of the switchable light extraction layer 104 may align toallow photons received from the transparent light-carrying layer 104 topass substantially transparently through the switchable light extractionlayer 104 to the user 130. Consequently, when the at least one lightsource of the transparent light-carrying layer 102 is inactive and thepredetermined voltage is applied to the switchable light extractionlayer 104, light may be passed directly (e.g., substantially unimpededor unscattered) from the transparent light-carrying layer 102 throughthe switchable light extraction layer 104 to the user 130. Thisconfiguration may result in the configurable transparent structure 100appearing substantially transparent to the user 130 by allowing light topass through the configurable transparent structure 100 substantiallyunimpeded or unscattered to the user 130. If, instead, the at least onelight source of the transparent light-carrying layer 102 is active andthe predetermined voltage is applied to the switchable light extractionlayer 104, the light from the at least one light source passessubstantially unimpeded from the transparent light-carrying layer 102through the switchable light extraction layer 104 to the user 130. Thisparticular configuration may result in the configurable transparentstructure 100 appearing as a strong light source, or as a display,depending on the nature of the at least one light source and thetransparent light-carrying layer 102.

If, instead, less than the predetermined voltage is applied to theswitchable light extraction layer 104, less than all of the crystals ofthe switchable light extraction layer 104 may not be aligned, resultingin some percentage of the photons received from the transparentlight-carrying layer 102 to be scattered, resulting in a translucent orhazy appearance. In some examples, the amount of translucence orhaziness may increase with a decrease in the applied voltage, possiblyresulting in a substantially opaque appearance for low or zero appliedvoltages in some examples. The brightness of any hazy light produced maydepend at least in part on the intensity of the light being passed fromthe transparent light-carrying layer 102, whether originating from theat least one light source or from another light source external to theconfigurable transparent structure 100.

Other forms of the switchable light extraction layer 104 aside from aPDLC file or laminate, such as suspended particle devices (SPDs) andelectrochromic devices, that allow a controllable amount of lightpassing therethrough to be scattered, such as by way of a voltage,current, or other means, may be employed in other embodiments. Inaddition, to enhance the transparent nature of the overall configurabletransparent structure 100, substantially transparent electrodes, such asindium tin oxide (ITO) electrodes, which are transparent and colorlesswhen employed in layers, may be used to couple the control unit 120 tocontrol the switchable light extraction layer 104.

As shown in FIG. 1, a switchable mirror layer 106 may be positionedadjacent to, and/or in optical communication with, a side of thetransparent light-carrying layer 102 opposite the user 130. In oneexample, the switchable mirror layer 106 may be controlled by a voltageprovided by the control unit 120 to exhibit either a mirror state(during which light incident upon the switchable mirror layer 106 isreflected by the switchable mirror layer 106) or a transparent state(during which light incident upon the switchable mirror layer 106 ispassed substantially unchanged therethrough). In some examples, a low orzero voltage applied across the switchable mirror layer 106 may placethe switchable mirror layer 106 in the mirror state, while somepredetermined voltage may place the switchable mirror layer 106 in thetransparent state. Also, in some embodiments, voltage between zero andthe predetermined voltage may place the switchable mirror layer 106 in apartially transparent, partially reflective state. In yet otherexamples, other voltages may be used to place the switchable mirrorlayer 106 in the mirror state or the transparent state. In someimplementations, the switchable mirror layer 106 may be implementedusing transition-metal switchable mirrors or other devices that arecontrollable by way of a voltage, current, or other aspect to attain thevarious states described above.

Given these possible states, the switchable mirror layer 106 may beemployed in its mirror state to reflect light from the at least onelight source of the transparent light-carrying layer 102 that exits theside of the transparent light-carrying layer 102 opposite the user 130and reflect that light back to the transparent light-carrying layer 102to increase the amount of light received by the user 130. The mirrorstate may also be effective in providing a level of privacy byreflecting light incident upon the switchable mirror layer 106 on theside opposite the user 130. Further, the transparent state of theswitchable mirror layer 106 may be employed to allow light received froma side opposite the user 130 to pass therethrough substantiallyunchanged when the configurable transparent structure 100 is configuredin a transparent state.

As also illustrated in FIG. 1, additional transparent layers 108 and110, such as glass, plexiglass, or the like, may be used to protect theswitchable light extraction layer 104 and the switchable mirror layer106 from dirt, scratches, and other maladies. In yet other examples,additional transparent layers (not explicitly shown in FIG. 1) may beplaced between the transparent light-carrying layer 102 and theswitchable light extraction layer 104, and/or between the transparentlight-carrying layer 102 and the switchable mirror layer 106. Otherconfigurations are also possible while maintaining the relative positionof the transparent light-carrying layer 102, the switchable lightextraction layer 104, and the switchable mirror layer 106.

FIG. 2A is a side-view representation of an example configurabletransparent structure 100A for lighting and/or display that employs anedge-lit light guide plate (LGP) 102A as the transparent light-carryinglayer 102 of FIG. 1. As shown, the edge-lit LGP 102A is adjacent oroptically coupled to one or more LEDs 103, such as along one or moreedges of the edge-lit LGP 102A. The edge-lit LGP 102A may possess arefractive index that is much different than that of air to facilitatenear-total internal reflection of the light provided by the LEDs 103within the edge-lit LGP 102A.

In addition, the edge-lit LGP 102A may incorporate one or more featuresthat aid in directing at least some of the light toward the user 130.One example of such a feature may be surface patterning, in whichgrooves or other structures may be cut or otherwise formed into thesurface of the edge-lit LGP 102A facing the user 130. Such patterningmay facilitate the emission of at least some light incident at thepatterning from the edge-lit LGP 102A toward the user 130. Volumepatterning of the edge-lit LGP 102A may also be employed in addition to,or in lieu of, surface patterning to provide similar results. Anotherexample feature may be a diffuse material residing within the edge-litLGP 102A that may have a different refractive index than that of theedge-lit LGP 102A, thus possibly redirecting at least some of the lighttoward the user 130. In some cases, the concentration of the diffusematerial may be different within different areas of the edge-lit LGP102A to facilitate a relatively even dispersion of light along thesurface of the edge-lit LGP 102A toward the user 130. In anotherexample, the surface of the edge-lit LGP 102A facing the user 130 may becut with a laser to produce near-invisible defects that disperse lightin one or directions. In some examples, the one or more features beingimplemented in the edge-lit LGP 102A may disperse light both toward andaway from the user 130, thus informing the potential use of theswitchable mirror 106, as described above, to redirect light beingemitted away from the user 130 back toward the user 130 through theedge-lit LGP 102A. Other types of features not specifically describedherein may be generated either within the volume of the edge-lit LGP102A (e.g., by way of laser volume engraving, refractive index changes,or use of guest-host structures) or on the surface of the edge-lit LGP102A (e.g., by way of macroscopic patterning, micro-patterning,nano-patterning, surface roughening, laser surface etching, or chemicalsurface etching) to direct at least some of the light from the LEDs 103toward the user in other implementations.

In conjunction with the edge-lit LGP 102A, the switchable lightextraction layer 104 may be patterned so that different levels of lightextraction from the edge-lit LGP 102A, may be performed in differentareas of the configurable transparent structure 100A. Such patterningmay be static by way of the particular structure of the switchable lightextraction layer 104 to create different amounts of extraction, or maybe more dynamic by creating different controllable or addressable areasof the switchable light extraction layer 104, each of which may providea different level of extraction. Such examples are described in greaterdetail below in conjunction with FIGS. 4, 5A, and 5B.

In some examples, the edge-lit LGP 102A may be operated in conjunctionwith the switchable light extraction layer 104 such that the LEDs 103are off while the switchable light extraction layer 104 is set to itstransparent state to allow light to pass through the configurabletransparent structure 100A in a transparent manner to the user 130. Inanother example, the switchable extraction layer 104 may be set to amore translucent state while the LEDs 103 are off to soften or partiallyblock light passing through the configurable transparent structure 100Atoward the user, such as to soften or block intense sunlight. In otherexamples, the LEDs 103 may be active to provide light to the user 130.In that case, the switchable light extraction layer 104 may be set toits transparent state to provide more intense task lighting, or theswitchable light extraction layer 104 may be set to a more translucentstate to provide a softer, more diffuse lighting.

FIG. 2B is a side-view representation of an example configurabletransparent structure 100B for lighting and/or display that employs anorganic light-emitting diode (OLED) display layer 102B as thetransparent light producing layer 102 of FIG. 1. The OLED display layer102B may include multiple OLEDs in a particular pattern or array withina pane or section of transparent media, such as glass, plexiglass, orthe like, with each OLED or group of OLEDs being assigned to illuminatea particular area of the OLED display layer 102B. Each of the OLEDs mayalso be individually addressable, and may be white, red, green, or bluein color to provide general lighting and/or display functionality. Inone example, the OLEDs may exhibit a low fill factor, such that the areaof the OLED display layer 102B, as viewed by the user 130, that isconsumed by the OLEDs is much less than a particular area of the OLEDdisplay layer 102B associated with that OLED, which may be considered apixel. In another example, the OLEDs may be transparent OLEDs (TOLEDs),which are generally transparent in nature from the viewpoint of the user130. Other types of OLEDs or LEDs may be employed in other examples tofacilitate use of the configurable transparent structure 100B as a lightsource or informational display while retaining a substantiallytransparent nature for the transparent light-carrying layer 102 whilethe LEDs are inactive.

FIG. 2C is a side-view representation of an example configurabletransparent structure 100C for lighting and/or display that employs amicro-light-emitting-diode (micro-LED) display layer 102C as thetransparent light-carrying layer 102 of FIG. 1. Similar to the OLEDs ofthe OLED display layer 102B of FIG. 2B, the micro-LED display layer 102Cmay include multiple micro-LEDs in a pattern or array within a sectionof transparent media, such as glass, plexiglass, or the like, with eachmicro-LED or group of micro-LEDs being assigned to illuminate aparticular area of the micro-LED display layer 102C. Each of themicro-LEDs may also be individually addressable, and may be white, red,green, or blue in color to provide general lighting and/or displayfunctionality. Moreover, the micro-LEDs may exhibit a low fill factordue to their small size, such that the area of the micro-LED displaylayer 102C, as viewed by the user 130, that is consumed by themicro-LEDs is much less than a particular area of the micro-LED displaylayer 102C associated with that micro-LED, such as a pixel. Other typesof small light sources, such as nano-LEDs, may be employed in atransparent layer in a similar manner.

The display layer 102B and 102C, in addition to providing general orfocused lighting, may be employed as a display that may provide staticand/or dynamic information, including, but not limited to, textualinformation (e.g., reading material, driving directions, etc.),graphical information (e.g., maps, decorative graphics, star fielddisplays, and so on), video information, and the like.

In addition, or as an alternative, to the use of micro-LEDS as lightsources and/or display elements within the micro-LED display layer 102C,a plurality of micro-LEDs may be located within or upon a surface of themicro-LED display layer 102C sparsely to simulate a starry night sky. Insuch embodiments, the micro-LEDs need not be arranged in any kind ofarray or other formal arrangement, but may instead be more randomly andsparsely situated within or alongside the micro-LED display layer 102C.The micro-LEDs may also be controlled as a group or more individually,possibly with varying light intensity to provide a twinkling effect.Further, the micro-LEDs may be active while the switchable lightextraction layer 108, if employed, is in a transparent or translucentstate.

FIG. 3 is a perspective-view representation of an example configurabletransparent structure 300 for lighting and/or display that includesmultiple, individually controllable panels 302. Each panel 302 may beoperated as an individual configurable transparent structure 100, suchas those described above with respect to FIGS. 1, 2A, 2B, and 2C, witheach panel 302 having its own separately addressable or controllabletransparent light-carrying layer 102, switchable light extraction layer104, and/or switchable mirror layer 106. Further, diverse types of thelayers 102, 104, and/or 106 may be employed among the panels 302. Forexample, some panels 302 may include an edge-lit LGP 102A may be usedfor focused task lighting or general lighting, while other panels 302 ofthe same configurable transparent structure 300 may include OLED displaylayer 102B or a micro-LED display layer 103B to provide relativelyhigh-resolution display functionality, possibly in addition to lightingfunctionality.

FIG. 4 is a side-view representation of an example patterned switchablelight extraction layer 404 that may be used in the example configurabletransparent structures 100 disclosed above. This particular exampleprovides a static pattern in which different areas of the patternedswitchable light extraction layer 404, from the viewpoint of the user130, provide different thickness through which scattering elements 405,such as the liquid crystals of a PDLC film or layer, may be aligned orunaligned, thus causing differing levels of light scattering, and thustranslucence or haziness, from one area to the next.

FIGS. 5A and 5B are top-view representations of example patternedswitchable light extraction layers 504A and 504B having multiple,individually controllable or addressable areas. More specifically, FIG.5A provides a plurality of rectangular-shaped controllable areas 505A,with each controllable area 505A possibly being controlled with separatesets of electrodes driven by the control unit 120. FIG. 5B provides aset of concentric, annular controllable areas 505B that may beindividually controlled in a similar manner. Other shapes andconfigurations for the patterned switchable light extraction layer 504Aand 504B are also possible in other examples. In each case, eachseparately controllable area 505A and 505B may be placed in atransparent, translucent, and/or opaque state individually, thusproviding hazy or filtered light in some areas, more focused tasklighting in other areas, and so forth.

FIG. 6 is a flow diagram of an example method 600 of operating theconfigurable transparent structure 100 of FIG. 1, as well as otherconfigurable transparent structures disclosed herein. In some examples,the control unit 120 of FIGS. 1 and 2A through 2C may be perform one ormore of the operations of the method 600, or cause one or more of theoperations to be performed. However, other structures not specificallydescribed herein may be perform these operations, or cause them to beperformed. Also, while the method 600 of FIG. 6 indicates that eachoperation therein is performed in a particular order of execution, theoperations may be performed in a different order than that explicitlyshown.

In the method 600, a transparent structure mode signal is accessed(operation 602). For example, the control unit 120 may generate such asignal in response to input received from the user 130 via one or moreinput devices (e.g., voice commands provided via microphone, gesturecommands via camera, touch input via buttons, and touch input viacapacitive touch layers incorporated into the configurable transparentstructure 100). For example, the user 130 may touch a particular panel302 of the configurable transparent structure 300 to cause that panel302 to operate in a particular state. In some embodiments, such inputmay be provided by way of a third device, such as a cell phone or tabletcomputer. Other information, such as preferences of the user 130 (e.g.,sleep/awake cycles of the user 130, preferred light levels and so on),identification of the user 130 (e.g., by way of facial recognition orother means), and environmental information (e.g., current light levelsor current audio levels within the environment in which the configurabletransparent structure 100 is located, such as within or outside avehicle, detection of potential hazards or obstacles relative to avehicle) may also be considered in the generation of the signal.

Based on the signal, a particular mode of operation for the configurabletransparent structure 100 may be set. For example, if the signalindicates that the configurable transparent structure 100 is to beplaced in a transparent mode (operation 604), the one or more lightssources of the transparent light-carrying layer 102 may be deactivated(e.g., turned off), and the switchable light-carrying layer 104 and theswitchable mirror layer 106, if present, may be placed in thetransparent or “open” state (operation 606) to allow light to passthrough the configurable transparent structure 100 to the user 130.

If, instead, the signal indicates that the configurable transparentstructure 100 is to be placed in an external diffusion mode (operation608), the one or more lights sources of the transparent light-carryinglayer 102 may be deactivated, and the switchable light-carrying layer104, if present, may be placed in a partially transparent or translucentstate, or partially open mode, and the switchable mirror layer 106, ifpresent, may be placed in the transparent or open state (operation 610).Use of such a mode may allow light passing through the configurabletransparent structure 100 toward the user 130 to be at least partiallydiffused or scattered.

If the signal indicates that the configurable transparent structure 100is to be placed in an internal diffusion mode (operation 612), the oneor more lights sources of the transparent light-carrying layer 102 maybe activated (e.g., turned on), the switchable light-carrying layer 104,if present, may be placed in a partially transparent or translucentstate, and the switchable mirror layer 106, if present, may be placed inthe mirror state (operation 614). In this mode, light from thetransparent light-carrying layer 102, potentially reinforced byreflection of the light from the switchable mirror layer 106, may be atleast partially diffused or scattered at the switchable light extractionlayer 104 prior to reaching the user 130.

Based on the signal indicating instead that the configurable transparentstructure 100 is to be placed in a display mode or a direct lightingmode (operation 616), the one or more lights sources of the transparentlight-carrying layer 102 may be activated, the switchable light-carryinglayer 104, if present, may be placed in a transparent or open state, andthe switchable mirror layer 106, if present, may be placed in the mirrorstate (operation 618). Consequently, light from the transparentlight-carrying layer 104, possibly reinforced by reflection of the lightfrom the switchable mirror layer 106, may be presented to the user 130in a substantially undiffused manner for general lighting, task lighting(e.g., as a spotlight), or for purposes of textual or graphical displayas described above in conjunction with the OLED display layer 102B andthe micro-LED display layer 102C of FIGS. 2B and 2C, respectively.

In some instances, an edge lit light guide structure as generallydiscussed with reference to various embodiments herein may be sensitiveto surface smoothness and cleanliness. For example, dirt, fingerprints,minor scratches, and water on the outer surface of a structure canresult in distortion or uneven light extraction at such locations and/orat the boundaries to such locations.

FIG. 7A is a side section view of an example of a transparent structure701 with a controllable edge lit light guide structure. The transparentstructure may include a control unit 120 and one or more light sources,such as LEDS 103, discussed with respect to other embodiments herein. Inthis example, however, a mask 704 is positioned between the light sourceand the light guide plate. The mask includes at least one aperture 706that allows light to pass from the light source into the light guideplate. The mask and aperture may be considered a form of optical guide.Generally speaking, the optical guide assists in coupling light from thelight source into the light guide structure in a way that light ismaintained within the light guide structure under principles of totalinternal reflection. It should be recognized that some light maynonetheless escape, and there may be instances where the optical guideis configured in way such that some photons from the light source exitthe light guide structure. Moreover, as discussed herein, the lightguide structure may be configured to scatter some light or otherwise notmaintain all light within the light guide structure. The light guideplate, in this example, is sandwiched between refractive layers (700,702) such that the index of refraction for the light guide plate isgreater than the refractive layers. In one specific example, the lightguide plate may be acrylic with an index of refraction at about 1.49 andthe refractive layers may be polyvinyl butyral (PVB) with an index ofrefraction of about 1.45. The combined structure forms a light guidethrough the light guide plate where photons from the light sourceintersecting the light guide plate/refractive layer boundary arepartially or completely guided through the light guide layer pursuant toprinciples of total internal reflection, which is illustrated by therays exiting the light source and reflecting from the upper and lowerrefractive layers (700, 702) and otherwise staying within the lightguide plate. In an embodiment with one or more opposing light sources(on the opposite side of the plate and as shown) similar light wouldemit into the plate through the corresponding aperture or apertures asthe case may be.

The aperture size and configuration, defined in the mask 704, willdepend on the light source, the separation between the light source andthe aperture 706 and the light guide, the thickness of the light guide,the index of refraction of light guide plate 102 and the refractionlayers, and/or other factors. A numerical aperture computation may beused to define the aperture size for any specific arrangement of lightsource, light guide and refractive layers. Stated differently, theaperture may be defined such that light rays emanating from the sourceare at an acceptance angle, cone or otherwise, into the light guideplate such that light from the source is retained, substantially, withinthe light guide plate. The optical guide, and the aperture portion inparticular is intended to limit or otherwise reduce the volume of lightentering the light guide structure to minimize or otherwise eliminatelight that intersects the light guide/refractive layer boundaries atgreater than the critical angle allowing light to escape from the lightguide into other layers and thereby be enhanced or otherwise interactwith any defects or surface imperfection on the outer layers, e.g. theouter transparent layers of FIG. 7A.

In an alternative to a mask or complementing a mask, light may befocused into the light guide structure using a lens 708 to focus lighton the light guide plate or optical fibers coupling the light sourceinto the light guide as well as other configurations. Depending on thelight configuration, there may be lens for individual light sources orfor groups of light sources. Similarly, a fiber may couple light intothe light guide from one or a plurality of light sources.

FIG. 7B is a front view of the transparent structure of FIG. 7A,particularly illustrating the mask and associated apertures 706restricting the light and angle of light passing from the light sourcesinto the plate. FIG. 7D is a top section view through the light guidelayer and illustrating the relationship between the mask, apertures andlight sources in one configuration. The light sources, in the case ofLEDS, may be discrete LED chips 710 mounted on a printed circuit boardand spaced to position the emissions from the LEDs in line with thevarious respective apertures.

The mask may be formed from black tape or other opaque tapes, a plasticor other molded or formed piece with the appropriate apertures definedtherein, as well as other structures. In the side view of FIG. 7A, themask is illustrated as extending across the height of the layers for thestructure. In such a configuration, the mask blocks light from the lightsource, or other sources, from entering the sides of the transparentstructure other than at the apertures defined in the mask and alignedwith the respective light sources. The mask, however, may be sizeddifferently and may only be positioned to block light from the lightsource in other ways. Additionally, the apertures are illustrated asdiscrete apertures relative to each LED. It is possible, however, toprovide an elongate slit like aperture 702 (see FIG. 7C extendingbetween the various light sources thereby prohibiting allowing a wideangle of light to enter the light guide across its width but blocking arange of upper and lower angles from entering the light guidevertically. For example, the slit aperture may allow 180 degrees oflight into the light guide across its width but only allow a narrowangular vertical range of light into the height of the light guide andat the appropriate acceptance angle such that light fills the width ofthe light guide but is retained with the light guide and does not passinto the outer layers.

FIGS. 8A and 8B are side section views and front views, respectively, ofa transparent structure having a light tube 800, such as a fiber opticsection as the light source. In this example structure, the layerarrangement is as shown and described relative to FIG. 7A. However, thelight source is a fiber option section, which is “leaky” such that lightis emitted from the sides of the fiber. A fiber section may surround theedge lit light guide, or positioned along any number of possible sides.For example, as shown in FIG. 8A, there are fibers to either side of thelight guide plate. In a rectangular plate, fibers may be on all foursides or some combination of sides. Further, as illustrated with one ofthe fiber sections, a reflective coating 802 may be placed along theoptical cladding of a portion of the fiber such that photons leakingfrom the fiber are leaking into the plate and the opposing side, awayfrom the plate, reflects photons such that they are retained in thefiber to then emit into the plate. Alternatively or in addition, asshown in FIG. 8B, a mask with a slit aperture 712 may be providedbetween the fiber and one or more edges of the guide plate. The slitaperture defining an acceptance angle of light passing into the lightguide plate from the fiber.

FIG. 9 is another alternative transparent structure. In contrast toother embodiments, the edge lit light guide plate is bounded by air gaps900 that separate the plate from transparent layers. The transparentlayer, may, for example, be glass with an index of refraction of about1.5. The structure of FIG. 9 is configured to retain light within thelight guide plate 102A and minimize the amount of light bleed into thetransparent structures by providing the high index of refraction fromair. Accordingly, to the outside of either or both of the upper andlower transparent layers, only scattered light is diffused relativelyevenly into the transparent layers. Air has an index of refraction ofabout 1. The light guide plate, in contrast, has index of refraction ofabout 1.4. Thus, the air boundary will reflect a great deal of lightincident on the plate/air boundary back into the light guide structure.If used in conjunction with a mask, lens or the like, further tailoringof the light retained in the edge lit light guide structure may beachieved.

To provide an air gap, the transparent structure may be supported inside rails or some other form of framework. A cross section of a portionof the support framework is illustrated on one side of the diagram. Inthe example illustrated, the transparent layers (e.g., glass plates) aresupported at distance above and below the light guide plate,respectively, with the distances above and below providing the air gap.Protective layers 902 may further be provided above, and below, the airgap to form a gap between the respective protective layer and therespective transparent layer 108.

FIGS. 10 and 11 illustrate various embodiments where light, guided withthe light guide or otherwise within the overall structure, is scatteredsuch that some portion of the light uniformly diffuses from the overallstructure thereby providing some level of illumination. The scatteringstructures may be used in various combinations with the structuresillustrated in FIGS. 7-9, as well as various other arrangement discussedherein. Beginning with FIG. 10, an adhesive layer 1000 is formed with anindex of refraction greater than the bounding transparent layers (108,110), which may be glass, such that the adhesive (or bonding) layerprovides a light guide. Further, in this example, the adhesive layer isinfused or coated with particles that scatter some light within thelayer. For example, scattering particles may be infused in PVB used tobind glass plates. In another alternative, when scattering is desired,the transparent light guide may be a polycarbonate with scatteringparticles, or glass infused with particles. Alternatively, a scatteringfilm 1010, see FIG. 11, may be provided on (deposited or bound) on oneor both transparent layers (108, 110) between the light guide plate andthe refractive layer, prior to binding the other transparent layer, or ascattering film may be placed on the binding agent prior to binding thetransparent layers.

FIG. 12 illustrates a structure 1200, which may be substantiallytransparent, having a light source, such as LEDs 103 discussed herein,coupled into a light guide layer 102A. The structure further includes anabsorbing feature 1202, which may be considered a form of optical guide,in operable association with refractive layers (700, 702) that bound thelight guide layer where the absorbing feature absorbs any lightintroduced into the edge-light guide and that is not internallyreflected at a boundary 1204 between the refractive layers and the lightguide. The absorbing feature may include a tint, a highly dopedextrusion, a coating, a dense particle infusion, and other additions ormodifications of the refractive layer, the light guide or otherwise thatform an operable association between the absorbing feature and the lightguide plate to absorb light not internally reflected. Hence, with thelight absorbing feature any light that is internally reflected at aboundary between the light guide plate and the light guide layer will beguided along the light guide plate and other light, not internallyreflected, will be absorbed. Such a structure may be used alone or inconjunction with a masking feature as described with respect to FIGS.7-9, in various possible examples, as well as with other structuresdiscussed herein.

In more detail, FIGS. 12-14 are representative side section views ofexamples of a layered transparent structure with a controllable edge litlight guide structure. The transparent structure may include a controlunit 120 and one or more light sources, such as LEDS 103, discussed withrespect to other embodiments herein. In these examples, light absorbingfeatures are introduced to absorb any light exiting the light guideplate (not internally reflected), typically near where the light isintroduced by the LEDS into the light guide plate. In an embodiment withone or more opposing light sources (on the opposite side of the plateand as shown) light would emit into the plate at both end areas, andabsorbing features 1202 would be included at both end areas. The lightguide plate 102A, in this example like other examples herein, issandwiched between refractive layers (700, 702) such that the index ofrefraction for the light guide plate is greater than the refractivelayers. The light absorbing feature, in one example, has the samerefractive index as the light guide plate so that rays intersecting theabsorbing feature pass into and are absorbed by the feature. In onespecific example, the light guide plate may be acrylic with an index ofrefraction at about 1.49 and the refractive layers may be polyvinylbutyral (PVB) with an index of refraction of about 1.45. In variouspossible alternatives, the refractive layer, which may be an adhesive,may also include Ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA), silicone, polyurethane,Sentryglas™, and the like. The combined structure forms a light guidethrough the light guide plate where photons from the light sourceintersecting the light guide plate/refractive layer boundary are guidedthrough the light guide layer pursuant to principles of total internalreflection, which is illustrated by the rays exiting the light sourceand reflecting from the upper and lower refractive layers and otherwisestaying within the light guide plate. In such an example, the absorbingfeature may be coextruded with the refractive area with the absorbingfeature portion have the same index as the light guide plate, and hencelight rays incident at the absorbing feature area are not internallyreflected and are absorbed.

As illustrated in FIG. 12, the absorbing feature 1202 is included toabsorb any light intersecting the light guide/refractive layerboundaries at greater than the critical angle (as illustrated by the twoexample, uppermost and lowermost rays, intersecting the absorbingfeature but not being reflected or passing through the refractive layer.Without, for example, a mask and associated aperture that is configuredto allow light into the plate at an acceptance angle such that lightstays within the plate, then some light from the LED may enter the lightguide plate at an acceptance angle that would allow some rays to passout of the light guide plate. Without the absorbing feature such raysthat would otherwise be allowed to escape from the light guide intoother layers and thereby interact with any defects or surfaceimperfection on the outer layers, e.g. the outer transparent layers.Hence, any such light that escapes the light guide layer is absorbed bythe absorbing feature. The absorbing feature is dimensioned to extend atleast as far as rays emitted from the LED would intersect the boundaryat less than the critical angle and be reflected into and retainedwithin the light guide plate. In the example shown in FIG. 12, theabsorbing feature extends a distance D inward from the outer edge at theLED, along the boundary between the light guide plate and the refractivelayer. In the example shown with opposing LEDs at each edge off thelight guide, which may include LEDs distributed along both opposingedges of the light guide as illustrated in FIG. 7D (as well as otherlight sources such as discussed herein), each of the absorbing features,extending inwardly from each end as well as at the upper and lowerboundaries, may extend inward the distance D.

In one specific example, the absorbing feature may be in the form oftinting of the light guide plate, or the corresponding refractive layer,extending inward along the distance D between the light guide plate andthe refractive layer. Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 13, the refractivelayer may be extruded in two or more phases, with one phase includingtinting and other transparent. For example, in a coextrusion, anabsorbing extrusion 1208 may be formed by extruding a portion of therefractive layer with a high doping concentration to form a darkabsorbing tint of the PVB, and a transparent extrusion 1210 of therefractive layer without such doping to provide a transparent refractivelayer (700, 702). Such doping may be achieved by including lightabsorbing die particles in the extrusion mixture for the portion of therefractive layer where the absorbent feature is intended. In oneexample, tinting or high doping concentration, may extend inward fromthe edge based on the critical angle, and may extend in a range of 1 mmto 2 cm. Further, to account for any slight imprecision in centering theLED along the outer edge of the light guide (adjacent the LED),thickness variations in the edge light guide, manufacturing variationsof the LED, and the like, the inward extent (e.g., D) (e.g., 1208, 1202,1204) of the absorbing feature may be greater than required for aperfect centering as some rays, may intersect the plate/refractive layerboundary with an incident angle allowing the ray to enter the refractivelayer (not be internally reflected) at a greater distance from the edgethan otherwise might be encountered with a perfectly centered LED orotherwise.

In yet another alternative, FIG. 14 illustrates an absorbing feature1208 in the form of a light absorbent coating placed on the refractivelayer (700, 702) adjacent the respective transparent layers (108, 110).Since the refractive layer may be quite thin, the length of theabsorbing feature (e.g., coating) from the edge may be similar to thatdescribed with respect to FIGS. 12 and 13. In an alternative, thecoating may be placed on the light guide plate. Like previouslydescribed embodiments, the coating is one that absorbs incident lightfrom the light source.

The light guide plate may include diffusing elements that cause somelight emission from the light guide plate. Hence, the absorbing featuresmay only be positioned adjacent to or otherwise proximate the lightsource (or sources) where emission are intended to be absorbed orotherwise controlled, and/or eliminated or restricted.

FIG. 15A is a side-view representation, in cross-section, of an opticalguide 1500 for guiding light from a light source, such as an LED, into alight-guide plate 1502. FIG. 15B is a perspective view of arepresentative optical guide 1501 derived using the cross-sectional sideview of FIG. 15A. For clarity, only some features of FIG. 15A aredepicted in FIG. 15B for the representative optical guide 1501. Thelight-guide plate 1502 may be analogous to the transparentlight-carrying layer 102 of FIG. 1 or the edge-lit light guide plate 2Aof FIG. 2A.

The optical guide 1500 includes a parabolic reflector 1504 having afocal point 1506. In FIG. 15A, the focal point is shown by a centermark1506. The optical guide also includes a cylindrical reflector 1508facing the parabolic reflector 1504. The cylindrical reflector 1508 hasa center of curvature coincident with the focal point of the parabolicreflector 1504. An aperture 1510 is disposed through the cylindricalreflector 1508 and has a width equal to an optical width of theparabolic reflector 1504. In FIG. 15A, the optical width is indicated bya vertical distance 1512 between extension lines. The aperture 1510 isdisposed opposite of the optical width (i.e., opposite of an “opening”of the parabolic reflector 1504).

The optical guide 1500 is coupled with the light-guide plate 1502 (i.e.,includes the light-guide plate 1502), a portion of which, may bedisposed within the aperture 1510. The light-guide plate 1502 has athickness equal to the optical width of the parabolic reflector 1504.Such equality, however, may be within a tolerance. For example, andwithout limitation, the light-guide plate 1502 may have a thicknesswithin a tolerance of ±10% of the optical width of the parabolicreflector 1504. Other non-limiting examples of the tolerance include±0.5%, ±1%, ±1.5%, ±2%, ±2.5%, ±3%, ±3.5%, ±4%, ±4.5%, and ±5%. Ingeneral, however, the tolerance may be any tolerance between ±0% to±10%.

It will be understood that the width of the aperture 1510 may beslightly greater than the thickness of the light-guide plate 1502 (i.e.,slightly greater than the optical width of the parabolic reflector 1504)to allow the light-guide plate 1502 to fit into the aperture 1510. Thisfit may involve materials for lubrication, bonding, or both (e.g., anoptical adhesive, an optical grease, etc.). The fit may also involveovermolding or extruding the cylindrical reflector 1508 onto thelight-guide plate 1502. The portion of the light-guide plate 1502 withinthe aperture 1510 may include an entrance facet 1514 to receive light.The entrance facet 1514 may be a flat surface oriented parallel to theoptical width of the parabolic reflector 1504, such as shown in FIGS.15A & 15B. However, other shapes are possible (e.g., a concave surface,a grated surface, etc.).

The optical guide 1500 also includes an optical fiber 1516 disposed atthe focal point of the parabolic reflector 1504. The optical fiber 1516is configured to scatter light radially outward while transmitting lighttherethrough and may be configured similar to the “leaky” fiberdescribed in relation to FIGS. 8A & 8B. Such scattering allows theoptical fiber 1516 to emit light into a cavity 1518 defined, in part, bythe parabolic reflector 1504 and the cylindrical reflector 1508. In someembodiments, the optical guide 1500 includes a light source opticallycoupled with the optical fiber 1516 (e.g., coupled to an end of theoptical fiber). The light source may include a light-emitting diode(LED). In some embodiments, the optical fiber 1516 is positioned at thefocal point by a transparent body, which may be a molding. Thetransparent body may be ridged. In further embodiments, the transparentbody fills the cavity 1518. The transparent body (or molding) may beextruded over or co-extruded with the optical fiber 1516. Thetransparent body may also involve an optical epoxy or resin disposedinto the cavity 1518 to cure and thereby position the optical fiber 1516at the focal point.

It will be appreciated that the light-guide plate 1502 accepts lightwithin an angular extent less than an acceptance angle, θ_(a). Ingeneral, the acceptance angle is defined relative to a direction ofnormal incidence positioned midway between the thickness of thelight-guide plate and parallel thereto (see extension line 1520). Theacceptance angle of the light-guide plate 1502 is influenced byrefractive indices of the light-guide plate 1502. Non-limiting examplesof such refractive indices include a refractive index of a materialforming the light-guide plate 1502, a refractive index of an opticalcladding layer disposed on the light-guide plate 1502 (e.g., seerefractive layers 104, 105 in FIGS. 8A & 8B). The acceptance angle isalso influenced by a refractive index of space adjacent the light-guideplate 1502, such as a refractive index of the cavity 1518. In someinstances, the cavity 1518 may be filled with air. In other instances,the cavity 1518 may be filled with material, such as the transparentbody for positioning and securing the optical fiber 1516 along the focalpoint. In some instances, the entrance facet 1514 may be coupled to (orcoated with) a material for reducing reflections off of the light-guideplate 1502.

The aperture 1510 functions to limit the angular extent of lightdelivered to the light-guide plate 1502 to that within the acceptanceangle. Moreover, the acceptance angle and the thickness of thelight-guide plate 1502 govern a radius of curvature for the cylindricalreflector 1508, which in turn, determines the center of curvature forthe cylindrical reflector 1508. In FIG. 15A, the radius of curvature isindicated by a canted distance 1522 between extension lines. Similarly,the acceptance angle is indicated by an angular distance 1524 betweenextension lines, one of which is the direction of normal incidence 1520.From considerations of geometry, the radius of curvature, the thicknessof the light-guide plate 1502, and the acceptance angle are related by:

$\begin{matrix}{r = \frac{t/2}{\sin\;\theta_{a}}} & {{Equation}\mspace{14mu}(1)}\end{matrix}$where r is the radius of curvature; t is the thickness of thelight-guide plate 1502; and θ_(a) is the acceptance angle. Equation (1)therefore describes how the radius of curvature is governed by theacceptance angle and the thickness of the light-guide plate 1502.Furthermore, by virtue of the focal point being located within a planedefined by the optical width, the focal point is a distance of t/4 froma vertex of the parabolic reflector 1504 (i.e., along the direction ofnormal incidence 1520). The aforementioned parameters and theirrelationships characterize a manner in which the optical guide 1500provides a compact and efficient coupling of light from a light sourceto the light-edge plate 1502 (e.g. from an externally-located lightsource).

In operation, the optical fiber 1516 receives light from the lightsource, which may be a light-emitting diode located external to theoptical guide 1500. This light is scattered radially outward from aninterior of the optical fiber 1516, i.e., outward from the focal point.FIG. 16 is a side-view representation, in cross-section, of the opticalguide 1500 of FIG. 15A, but illustrating a portion of light scattered bythe optical fiber 1516. For clarity, only certain features of FIG. 15Aare labeled in FIG. 16. Light scattered by optical fiber 1516 travelsalong optical pathways that include three dominant paths. These threedominant paths are allowed by a selective positioning and configurationof the parabolic reflector 1504, the cylindrical reflector 1508, thelight-guide plate 1502, and the optical fiber 1516, as described above.

Along a first path, light is emitted from the focal point to theparabolic reflector 1504 (i.e., see light rays 1550). Upon interactingwith the parabolic reflector 1504, such light is collimated andtraverses the entrance facet 1514 in a direction parallel to thelight-guide plate 1502. Along a second path, light is emitted from thefocal point within the acceptance angle of the light-guide plate 1502(see light rays 1552). Such light is received through the entrance facet1514 and travels along the light-guide plate 1502 in a guided mode(i.e., via internal reflection). Along a third path, light is emittedfrom the focal point towards the cylindrical reflector 1508 (see lightrays 1554). Upon interacting with the cylindrical reflector 1508, suchlight is reflected back through the focal point towards the parabolicreflector 1504 (i.e., back along its originating path). Upon leaving thefocal point, this light behaves similar to light along the first path(i.e., becomes collimated to traverse the entrance facet 1514).

The three dominant paths of the optical guide 1500 can be over 90%efficient, as determined by computer simulations, in coupling light fromthe light source to the light-guide plate 1502. FIG. 17 is a side-viewrepresentation, in cross-section, of the optical guide 1500 of FIG. 15A,but with light simulated as being coupled to the light-guide plate 1502.This simulated light represents a highly-dense flux of light through thelight-guide plate 1502. It will be appreciated that this highly-denseflux of light be used to efficiently produce a small angular cone oflight in one direction, such as for a direct illuminator or luminaire.This highly-dense flux of light can also be used to efficiently providelight for informational displays. Such informational displays mayprovide static and/or dynamic information, including, but not limitedto, textual information (e.g., reading material, driving directions,etc.), graphical information (e.g., maps, decorative graphics, starfield displays, and so on), video information, and the like. As such,the optical guide 1500 allows a small form factor that, in manyembodiments, can be less than 3 mm thick (i.e., 3 mm vertically in FIGS.15A-17). Such small, discrete packaging can eliminate a need for striplighting sources (e.g., strips of light-emitting diodes). Also, byreducing a quantity of light sources and their concomitant heat, thesmall, discrete packaging can mitigate a need for thermal regulation(e.g., via heat sinks). Other benefits are possible.

In some embodiments, such as shown in FIGS. 15A-17, the parabolicreflector 1504 is defined by a first trough 1526 in a first body 1528and the cylindrical reflector 1508 is defined by second trough 1530 in asecond body 1532. In these embodiments, the first body 1528 is coupledto the second body 1532 to form a cavity therebetween (i.e., the cavity1518). The cavity 1518 includes the second trough 1530 disposed oppositethe first trough 1526. Non-limiting examples of materials for the firstbody 1528 and the second body 1532 include resin, glass, or plastic.Such materials are mirrored on surfaces corresponding to at least thefirst trough 1526 and the second trough 1532. In further embodiments,the first body 1528 and the second body 1532 form a single body. Also,in further embodiments, at least one of the first body 1528 and thesecond body 1532 are co-extruded with the light-guide plate 1502 to forman extruded single body.

Similar to the embodiments described in relation to FIGS. 7A-7D, 8A-8B,and 9-14, a refractive layer may be disposed on a surface of thelight-guide plate 1502 (e.g., an optical cladding layer). In someembodiments, such as shown in FIGS. 15A-17, a first refractive layer1534 and a second refractive layer 1536 sandwich the light-guide plate1502 therebetween. Protective layers may be used to cover refractivelayers for the light-guide plate 1502. In some embodiments, a refractivelayer is disposed on a surface of the light-guide plate 1502 and atransparent layer is disposed over the refractive layer. For example,and without limitation, a first transparent layer 1538 may be disposedover the first refractive layer 1534 and a second transparent layer 1540may be disposed over the second reflective layer 1536, as shown in FIGS.15A-17. In FIGS. 15A-17, the refractive layers 1536, 1538 and thetransparent layers 1538, 1540 are depicted as exterior to the aperture1510. However, this depiction is not intended as limiting. In someembodiments, one or both of the refractive or transparent layers mayextend into the aperture 1520.

In some embodiments, the light-guide plate 1502 is positioned adjacent aswitchable light extraction layer and in optical communication therewith(e.g., see embodiments described in relation to FIGS. 1 and 2A). In someembodiments, the light-guide plate 1502 is positioned adjacent aswitchable mirror layer and in optical communication therewith (e.g.,see embodiments described in relation to FIGS. 1 and 2A).

In some embodiments, the light-guide plate 1502 protrudes out of theaperture 1510 a multiple of the thickness of the light-guide plate 1502.Non-limiting examples of the multiple include 1 times the thickness, 2times the thickness, 5 times the thickness, and 10 times the thickness.Other multiples are possible.

According to a representative example, an optical guide includes aparabolic reflector in optical communication with a cylindricalreflector through a common focal point. The optical guide may beanalogous to those depicted in FIGS. 15A-17. The parabolic reflectordisposed across from the cylindrical reflector. The optical guide alsoincludes an optical plate having a portion disposed within an aperturethrough the cylindrical reflector. The optical plate functions as alight-guide plate and may include a refractive layer disposed thereon. Atransparent layer may be disposed over the refractive layer. Theaperture is disposed across from the parabolic reflector and has a widthequal to an opening of the parabolic reflector. The opening of theparabolic reflector defines an optical width for receiving light (i.e.,for subsequent reflection). The optical guide additionally includes alight source disposed at the common focal point and configured emitlight radially outward towards at least one of the parabolic reflector,the cylindrical reflector, or the portion of the optical plate.

In some embodiments, the optical plate has a thickness equal to thewidth of the aperture. In these embodiments, the portion of the opticalplate may include a surface facing the parabolic reflector and definingan entrance facet for the optical plate. The entrance facet may have anacceptance angle for light. The acceptance angle, θ_(a), a radius ofcurvature of the cylindrical reflector, r, and the thickness of theoptical plate, t, are related by r=(t/2)/sin θ_(a). It will beappreciated that the radius of curvature originates from the commonfocal point to terminate on a reflective surface of the cylindricalreflector. In further embodiments, the common focal point is a distanceof t/4 from a vertex of the parabolic reflector.

The equality between the width of the aperture and the opening of theparabolic reflector may include a tolerance. Similarly, the equalitybetween the thickness of the optical plate and the width of the aperturemay also include a tolerance. These tolerances may have any valuebetween ±0% to ±10%. Non-limiting examples of these tolerances include±0.5%, ±1%, ±1.5%, ±2%, ±2.5%, ±3%, ±3.5%, ±4%, ±4.5%, ±5%, and ±10%.

In some embodiments, the light source includes an optical fiberoptically-coupled to a light-emitting diode. The optical fiber isconfigured to scatter light radially outward upon receiving light fromthe light-emitting diode.

Turning to FIG. 18, an electronic device 1700 including operationalunits 1702-1708 arranged to perform various operations of the presentlydisclosed technology is shown. The operational units 1702-1708 of thedevice 1700 may be implemented by hardware or a combination of hardwareand software to carry out the principles of the present disclosure. Itwill be understood by persons of skill in the art that the operationalunits 1702-1708 described in FIG. 18 may be combined or separated intosub-blocks to implement the principles of the present disclosure.Therefore, the description herein supports any possible combination orseparation or further definition of the operational units 1702-1708.Moreover, multiple electronic devices 1700 may be employed in variousembodiments.

In one implementation, the electronic device 1700 includes an outputunit 1702 configured to provide information, including possibly displayinformation, such as by way of a graphical user interface, and aprocessing unit 1704 in communication with the output unit 1702 and aninput unit 1706 configured to receive data from one or more inputdevices or systems. Various operations described herein may beimplemented by the processing unit 1704 using data received by the inputunit 1706 to output information using the output unit 1702.

Additionally, in one implementation, the electronic device 1700 includesone or more control units 1708 implementing various operations discussedherein.

Referring to FIG. 19, a detailed description of an example computingsystem 1800 having one or more computing units that may implementvarious systems and methods discussed herein is provided. The computersystem 1800 may be a computing system is capable of executing a computerprogram product to execute a computer process. Data and program filesmay be input to the computer system 1800, which reads the files andexecutes the programs therein. Some of the elements of the computersystem 1800 are shown in FIG. 19, including one or more hardwareprocessors 1802, one or more data storage devices 1804, one or morememory devices 1806, and/or one or more ports 1808-1812. Additionally,other elements that will be recognized by those skilled in the art maybe included in the computing system 1800 but are not explicitly depictedin FIG. 19 or discussed further herein. Various elements of the computersystem 1800 may communicate with one another by way of one or morecommunication buses, point-to-point communication paths, or othercommunication means not explicitly depicted in FIG. 19.

The processor 1802 may include, for example, a central processing unit(CPU), a microprocessor, a microcontroller, a digital signal processor(DSP), and/or one or more internal levels of cache. There may be one ormore processors 1802, such that the processor 1802 comprises a singlecentral-processing unit, or a plurality of processing units capable ofexecuting instructions and performing operations in parallel with eachother, commonly referred to as a parallel processing environment.

The computer system 1800 may be a conventional computer, a distributedcomputer, or any other type of computer, such as one or more externalcomputers made available via a cloud computing architecture. Thepresently described technology is optionally implemented in softwarestored on the data stored device(s) 1804, stored on the memory device(s)1806, and/or communicated via one or more of the ports 1808-1812,thereby transforming the computer system 1800 in FIG. 19 to a specialpurpose machine for implementing the operations described herein.Examples of the computer system 1800 include personal computers,terminals, workstations, mobile phones, tablets, laptops, personalcomputers, multimedia consoles, gaming consoles, set top boxes, embeddedcomputing and processing systems, and the like.

The one or more data storage devices 1804 may include any non-volatiledata storage device capable of storing data generated or employed withinthe computing system 1800, such as computer executable instructions forperforming a computer process, which may include instructions of bothapplication programs and an operating system (OS) that manages thevarious components of the computing system 1800. The data storagedevices 1804 may include, without limitation, magnetic disk drives,optical disk drives, solid state drives (SSDs), flash drives, and thelike. The data storage devices 1804 may include removable data storagemedia, non-removable data storage media, and/or external storage devicesmade available via a wired or wireless network architecture with suchcomputer program products, including one or more database managementproducts, web server products, application server products, and/or otheradditional software components. Examples of removable data storage mediainclude Compact Disc Read-Only Memory (CD-ROM), Digital Versatile DiscRead-Only Memory (DVD-ROM), magneto-optical disks, flash drives, and thelike. Examples of non-removable data storage media include internalmagnetic hard disks, SSDs, and the like. The one or more memory devices1806 may include volatile memory (e.g., dynamic random access memory(DRAM), static random access memory (SRAM), etc.) and/or non-volatilememory (e.g., read-only memory (ROM), flash memory, etc.).

Computer program products containing mechanisms to effectuate thesystems and methods in accordance with the presently describedtechnology may reside in the data storage devices 1804 and/or the memorydevices 1806, which may be referred to as machine-readable media. Itwill be appreciated that machine-readable media may include any tangiblenon-transitory medium that is capable of storing or encodinginstructions to perform any one or more of the operations of the presentdisclosure for execution by a machine or that is capable of storing orencoding data structures and/or modules utilized by or associated withsuch instructions. Machine-readable media may include a single medium ormultiple media (e.g., a centralized or distributed database, and/orassociated caches and servers) that store the one or more executableinstructions or data structures.

In some implementations, the computer system 1800 includes one or moreports, such as an input/output (I/O) port 1808, a communication port1810, and a sub-systems port 1812, for communicating with othercomputing, network, or vehicle devices. It will be appreciated that theports 1808-1812 may be combined or separate and that more or fewer portsmay be included in the computer system 1800.

The I/O port 1808 may be connected to an I/O device, or other device, bywhich information is input to or output from the computing system 1800.Such I/O devices may include, without limitation, one or more inputdevices, output devices, and/or environment transducer devices.

In one implementation, the input devices convert a human-generatedsignal, such as, human voice, physical movement, physical touch orpressure, and/or the like, into electrical signals as input data intothe computing system 1800 via the I/O port 1808. Similarly, the outputdevices may convert electrical signals received from computing system1800 via the I/O port 1808 into signals that may be sensed as output bya human, such as sound, light, and/or touch. The input device may be analphanumeric input device, including alphanumeric and other keys forcommunicating information and/or command selections to the processor1802 via the I/O port 1808. The input device may be another type of userinput device including, but not limited to: direction and selectioncontrol devices, such as a mouse, a trackball, cursor direction keys, ajoystick, and/or a wheel; one or more sensors, such as a camera, amicrophone, a positional sensor, an orientation sensor, a gravitationalsensor, an inertial sensor, and/or an accelerometer; and/or atouch-sensitive display screen (“touchscreen”). The output devices mayinclude, without limitation, a display, a touchscreen, a speaker, atactile and/or haptic output device, and/or the like. In someimplementations, the input device and the output device may be the samedevice, for example, in the case of a touchscreen.

The environment transducer devices convert one form of energy or signalinto another for input into or output from the computing system 1800 viathe I/O port 1808. For example, an electrical signal generated withinthe computing system 1800 may be converted to another type of signal,and/or vice-versa. In one implementation, the environment transducerdevices sense characteristics or aspects of an environment local to orremote from the computing device 1800, such as, light, sound,temperature, pressure, magnetic field, electric field, chemicalproperties, physical movement, orientation, acceleration, gravity,and/or the like. Further, the environment transducer devices maygenerate signals to impose some effect on the environment either localto or remote from the example computing device 1800, such as, physicalmovement of some object (e.g., a mechanical actuator), heating orcooling of a substance, adding a chemical substance, and/or the like.

In one implementation, a communication port 1810 is connected to anetwork by way of which the computer system 1800 may receive networkdata useful in executing the methods and systems set out herein as wellas transmitting information and network configuration changes determinedthereby. Stated differently, the communication port 1810 connects thecomputer system 1800 to one or more communication interface devicesconfigured to transmit and/or receive information between the computingsystem 1800 and other devices by way of one or more wired or wirelesscommunication networks or connections. Examples of such networks orconnections include, without limitation, Universal Serial Bus (USB),Ethernet, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth®, Near Field Communication (NFC), Long-TermEvolution (LTE), and so on. One or more such communication interfacedevices may be utilized via the communication port 1810 to communicateone or more other machines, either directly over a point-to-pointcommunication path, over a wide area network (WAN) (e.g., the Internet),over a local area network (LAN), over a cellular (e.g., third generation(3G) or fourth generation (4G)) network, or over another communicationmeans. Further, the communication port 1810 may communicate with anantenna for electromagnetic signal transmission and/or reception. Insome examples, an antenna may be employed to receive Global PositioningSystem (GPS) data to facilitate determination of a location of amachine, vehicle, or another device.

The computer system 1800 may include a sub-systems port 1812 forcommunicating with one or more systems related to a vehicle to controlan operation of the vehicle and/or exchange information between thecomputer system 1800 and one or more sub-systems of the vehicle.Examples of such sub-systems of a vehicle, include, without limitation,imaging systems, radar, lidar, motor controllers and systems, batterycontrol, fuel cell or other energy storage systems or controls in thecase of such vehicles with hybrid or electric motor systems, autonomousor semi-autonomous processors and controllers, steering systems, brakesystems, light systems, navigation systems, environment controls,entertainment systems, and the like.

In an example implementation, information and software relating to theconfiguration and control of a configurable transparent structure, asdescribed above, as well as other modules and services, may be embodiedby instructions stored on the data storage devices 1804 and/or thememory devices 1806 and executed by the processor 1802. The computersystem 1800 may be integrated with or otherwise form part of a vehicle.In some instances, the computer system 1800 is a portable device thatmay be in communication and working in conjunction with various systemsor sub-systems of a vehicle.

The present disclosure recognizes that the use of such information maybe used to the benefit of users. For example, the configuration andcontrol information of a configurable transparent structure of a vehiclemay be employed to provide a useful and secure lighting and viewingenvironment for occupants of the vehicle.

Entities responsible for the collection, analysis, disclosure, transfer,storage, or other use of such personal data should comply withestablished privacy policies and/or practices. Such entities shouldsafeguard and secure access to such personal data and ensure that otherswith access to the personal data also comply. Such entities shouldimplement privacy policies and practices that meet or exceed industry orgovernmental requirements for maintaining the privacy and security ofpersonal data. For example, an entity should collect users' personaldata for legitimate and reasonable uses and not share or sell the dataoutside of those legitimate uses. Such collection should occur onlyafter receiving the users' informed consent. Furthermore, third partiescan evaluate these entities to certify their adherence to establishedprivacy policies and practices.

The system set forth in FIG. 19 is but one possible example of acomputer system that may employ or be configured in accordance withaspects of the present disclosure. It will be appreciated that othernon-transitory tangible computer-readable storage media storingcomputer-executable instructions for implementing the presentlydisclosed technology on a computing system may be utilized.

In the present disclosure, the methods disclosed may be implemented assets of instructions or software readable by a device. Further, it isunderstood that the specific order or hierarchy of steps in the methodsdisclosed are instances of example approaches. Based upon designpreferences, it is understood that the specific order or hierarchy ofsteps in the method can be rearranged while remaining within thedisclosed subject matter. The accompanying method claims presentelements of the various steps in a sample order, and are not necessarilymeant to be limited to the specific order or hierarchy presented.

The described disclosure may be provided as a computer program product,or software, that may include a non-transitory machine-readable mediumhaving stored thereon instructions, which may be used to program acomputer system (or other electronic devices) to perform a processaccording to the present disclosure. A machine-readable medium includesany mechanism for storing information in a form (e.g., software,processing application) readable by a machine (e.g., a computer). Themachine-readable medium may include, but is not limited to, magneticstorage medium, optical storage medium; magneto-optical storage medium,read only memory (ROM); random access memory (RAM); erasableprogrammable memory (e.g., EPROM and EEPROM); flash memory; or othertypes of medium suitable for storing electronic instructions.

While the present disclosure has been described with reference tovarious implementations, it will be understood that theseimplementations are illustrative and that the scope of the disclosure isnot so limited. Many variations, modifications, additions, andimprovements are possible. More generally, implementations in accordancewith the present disclosure have been described in the context ofparticular implementations. Functionality may be separated or combinedin blocks differently in various embodiments of the disclosure ordescribed with different terminology. These and other variations,modifications, additions, and improvements may fall within the scope ofthe disclosure as defined in the claims that follow.

What is claimed is:
 1. A configurable transparent structure comprising:a light-emitting layer having a transparent media and light-emittingelements that are located in the transparent media, wherein thelight-emitting elements emit light in an active state, thelight-emitting elements do not emit light in an inactive state, and thelight-emitting layer appears substantially transparent when thelight-emitting elements are in the inactive state; and a switchablemirror layer that is located on a first side of the light-emittinglayer, is transparent in a first state, and reflects light toward asecond side of the light-emitting layer in a second state.
 2. Theconfigurable transparent structure of claim 1, wherein thelight-emitting elements of the light-emitting layer are arranged in apattern with respect to the transparent media.
 3. The configurabletransparent structure of claim 1, wherein the light-emitting elements ofthe light-emitting layer are arranged in an array with respect to thetransparent media.
 4. The configurable transparent structure of claim 1,wherein the light-emitting elements of the light-emitting layer arearranged to define a low fill factor with respect to the transparentmedia.
 5. The configurable transparent structure of claim 1, wherein thelight-emitting elements of the light-emitting layer are organiclight-emitting diodes.
 6. The configurable transparent structure ofclaim 1, wherein the light-emitting elements of the light-emitting layerare transparent organic light-emitting diodes.
 7. The configurabletransparent structure of claim 1, wherein the light-emitting elements ofthe light-emitting layer are micro-light-emitting diodes.
 8. Theconfigurable transparent structure of claim 1, wherein the transparentmedia is glass.
 9. The configurable transparent structure of claim 1,wherein the transparent media is plexiglass.
 10. The configurabletransparent structure of claim 1, further comprising: a light extractionlayer optically coupled with the light-emitting layer, the lightextraction layer being operable in a first state, in which the lightextraction layer appears substantially transparent, and a second state,in which the light extraction layer appears at least partiallytranslucent.
 11. The configurable transparent structure of claim 1,further comprising: a first transparent layer located on the first sideof the light-emitting layer; and a second transparent layer located onthe second side of the light-emitting layer.
 12. A configurabletransparent structure comprising: a transparent light-producing layerhaving light-emitting elements that are each located in the transparentlight-producing layer within a respective surface area portion of thetransparent light-producing layer, wherein the light-emitting elementsare each individually addressable to allow control of color andintensity; a switchable mirror layer that is transparent in a firststate and reflects light in a second state; and a light extraction layerthat has a controllable level of translucence.
 13. The configurabletransparent structure of claim 12, wherein the light-emitting elementsare controlled to display information.
 14. The configurable transparentstructure of claim 12, wherein the light extraction layer is operable ina first state, in which the light extraction layer appears substantiallytransparent, and the light extraction layer is operable in a secondstate, in which the light extraction layer appears at least partiallytranslucent.
 15. The configurable transparent structure of claim 12,further comprising: a first transparent layer located on a first side ofthe transparent light-producing layer, wherein the switchable mirrorlayer is located between the transparent light-producing layer and thefirst transparent layer; and a second transparent layer located on asecond side of the transparent light-producing layer, wherein the lightextraction layer is located between the transparent light-producinglayer and the second transparent layer.
 16. A configurable transparentstructure, comprising: a first transparent layer that defines a firstexterior surface; a second transparent layer that defines a secondexterior surface; a transparent light-producing layer that is locatedbetween the first transparent layer and the second transparent layer,the transparent light-producing layer having light-emitting diodes thatare arranged in an array; a light extraction layer that is locatedbetween the second transparent layer and the transparent light-producinglayer, wherein the light extraction layer has a controllable level oftranslucence; and a controller for causing the transparentlight-producing layer to display information using the light-emittingdiodes.
 17. The configurable transparent structure of claim 16, whereinthe light extraction layer is located between the second transparentlayer and the transparent light-producing layer, the light extractionlayer is operable in a first state, in which the light extraction layerappears substantially transparent, and the light extraction layer isoperable in a second state, in which the light extraction layer appearsat least partially translucent.
 18. The configurable transparentstructure of claim 17, further comprising: a switchable mirror layerthat is located between the first transparent layer and the transparentlight-producing layer, wherein the switchable mirror layer istransparent in a first state and reflects light emitted by thetransparent light-producing layer in a second state.
 19. Theconfigurable transparent structure of claim 16, wherein thelight-emitting diodes emit light in an active state, the light-emittingdiodes do not emit light in an inactive state, and the transparentlight-producing layer appears substantially transparent when thelight-emitting diodes are in the inactive state.